Hot Fuel Proof

[Steve Thompson]

So, for 30 plus years I have seen the words "Hot Fuel Proof" on Dope cans and thought Hot meant exhaust heat.  Nope...

I've been reading the book, Do You Speak Model Airplanes, and found out otherwise.

In the days of old, ignition fuels were various concoctions using white gas, 70 weight oil, and all kinds of other chemicals.  Then the mixes started to include alcohol and methanol.  It was discovered that the right mix kept an ignition engine running even with the plug lead disconnected.  Worked better if you filed the plug bar down thin so it would glow.  Then the glow plug was introduced.  These great performing methanol based fuels were called "Hot" fuels and they melted standard finishes (Nitrate).

So Butyrate was used and it was called Hot Fuel Proof (resistant).

Maybe everyone else knew this already.

A very interesting book, by the way.

[jim ballard]

WOW! I learn something new every day.....

[Dan McEntee]

   Yep, the short version is any glow fuel with nitro in it  "Speak" should be required reading for ANYONE that participates in the model airplane hobby, especially if you have any interest in the history of model aiviation. I am the proud owner of Dave Thornburg's last, personal copy of "Speak" and had him autograph it as such. It answers many, many questions you may have about all aspects of the hobby; the business side, product development, personalities, all sorts of neat stuff. I haven't read it in a while and need to again. I was going to reread it while on jury duty a few years ago, but got picked to a pool right off, then turned loose that evening. Haven't had any down time to do any reading since! I might add that his "Great Buzzard's Soaring Book", a collection of articles he did for Model Builder magazine on gliders and finding thermal, is a great read also, especially if you fly any sort of soaring or gliding model airplane
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Dennis Toth]

Very interesting, where are the books available for purchase?

Best,    Dennis

[Steve Berry]

Very interesting, where are the books available for purchase?

Best,    Dennis

Ask, and receive. https://www.amazon.com/Do-You-Speak-Model-Airplane/dp/B002ANRY8G

[Tim Wescott]

I knew that, but only after decades.

[Brian Massey]

I believe it's "resistant" only up to about 10% nitro. After that,  your on your own.

Brian

[Dave Harmon]

Stanzel packaged 'TUFF' fuel proofer that could be brushed on over dope and it did help a lot.
These days I guess we would spray it.
Supposedly it was liquid vinyl.

[Jim Kraft]

There were hot fuel proof finishes to put over dope to make them hot fuel proof. If I remember right, Testors made a hot fuel proofer that I used in the early 50"s I also remember it did not always bond to the dope and sometimes separated from the color. It is fun to look back over the years in my old magazines and see what was done.

 I have some old Air Trails from the 50"s that show lots of info on each plane that was flown in stunt at the NATS. Beryloid (SP) dope was used in many coats, maybe 20 or more. Champion and OK glow plugs were popular. Engines, fuel, props, and even what starting battery they used. Mostly Burgess batteries.

Gas and oil was never a problem with nitrate dope. I use Coleman fuel and 2 stroke oil from Walmart and it is clean burning and easier to clean up than castor or 70 wt. I fly way more ignition than anything else for the last 10 years. After flying sparkers everything else is kind of boring.